This Fixed-Wing Drone Can Perch On Power Lines to Charge its Batteries
Rahul Kalvapalle — June 26, 2014 — Tech
References: newsoffice.mit.edu & gizmag
MIT scientists have invented an ingenious fixed-wing drone that can charge itself by simply sitting on a power line and using their emitted magnetic fields to recharge its batteries. This helps get around a common problem faced by most autonomous drones, which is that they can only fly for very short periods of time before they need to be charged up again.
Fixed-wing drones are actually not as good at perching on things as typical multi-rotor drones. However, the MIT team decided to go with a fixed-wing design anyway because these drones tend to be more fast and energy-efficient.
The perching capability of the drones was developed with inspiration drawn from birds and the manner in which they adjust the orientation of their body when preparing to perch.
Fixed-wing drones are actually not as good at perching on things as typical multi-rotor drones. However, the MIT team decided to go with a fixed-wing design anyway because these drones tend to be more fast and energy-efficient.
The perching capability of the drones was developed with inspiration drawn from birds and the manner in which they adjust the orientation of their body when preparing to perch.
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Charging Drones - The development of drones that can charge themselves by perching on power lines opens up opportunities for autonomous charging capabilities in various industries.
2. Energy-efficient Fixed-wing Drones - The use of fixed-wing drones with perching capabilities showcases the potential for more energy-efficient drone designs in the aviation industry.
3. Bio-inspired Perching Technology - The incorporation of bird-like perching capabilities in drone technology demonstrates the disruptive potential of bio-inspired solutions in the robotics industry.
Industry Implications
1. Aviation - The development of energy-efficient fixed-wing drones with autonomous charging capabilities can revolutionize drone applications in the aviation industry.
2. Energy - The advancement of perching bird-like drones offers opportunities for autonomous charging and energy harvesting in the renewable energy sector.
3. Robotics - The introduction of bio-inspired perching technology in drone design presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the robotics industry, enabling enhanced navigation and energy management.
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